How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Carpentersville, consult with the skilled technicians at Controlled Comfort HVAC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Carpentersville, call the team at Controlled Comfort HVAC. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Controlled Comfort HVAC. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Carpentersville and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 224-412-8308 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!